Must Have Summer Running Gear

After 6 years of training through the hot sticky summers of Florida for Fall marathons, I feel quite qualified to provide you my personal recommendations for the must have summer running gear! Let’s just say my husband went with the less is more approach and I had to test out a lot of sweat to find my go to options. So let’s look at hot weather running gear right now.

I try to be very honest in my product reviews and sometimes the things I truly love get lost in the mix, which is why I’ve put together my summer running gear and winter running gear guides to answer your most common questions about what I use!

Summer Running Gear

The focus as you might guess is on things to help us run through the heat and humidity, as we up our training and hopefully show up for those Fall races feeling strong and healthy.

In some cases, I receive an affiliate fee for your purchase through one of my links. I appreciate your support and hope if you do consider these products that you will purchase through here to help me show these great companies that it’s valuable to share with my readers.

What gear do I need to run a marathon?

This seems to be what leads many of you to this page. So I’ve tried to keep this list focused and compact!

• Gear that will help you train more efficiently
• Gear that wicks and dries and prevents chafing
• Gear that simply makes running more enjoyable
• Gear that truly fits your body and your needs

What to wearing jogging in the summer?

Hot weather running is when all that technical jargon you see on the tag becomes important.

We really do need things that are going to pull the sweat away from your body, this allows your skin to continue cooling itself and will help to prevent chafing.

This applies to your shirts, shorts, socks and yes even picking running shoes that are more breathable.

• Wicking fabric is essential
• Light colors to not hold heat
• Running Sunglasses (read more on how it reduces perceived effort)
• Sunscreen for runners (checkout my favorite options to not burn the eyes)
• Access to water or carrying water

Ok that’s a short and quick list, so let’s look at some of my top gear pics.

Hot Weather Running Gear List

In no specific order, here are some of my top recommendations.

#1 Nathan Pinnacle 4L ($174) – Great for Carrying Multiple Types of Fuel

Hydration needs are imperative to performance and recovery, so you have to figure out how you’re going to stay on top of it during summer runs.

After years of carrying a hand held and swearing it was just fine, I was convinced to try a hydration pack during my Jackson Hole Ultra running camp and I doubt I’ll ever go back to anything else. This one from Nathan has enough pockets to take off a light jacket or store gloves and makes grabbing a gel or my phone for a picture insanely easy.

• Prevents you from changing arm swing by carrying something in your hands
• Ensures you actually sip water throughout those summer runs
• Good pockets for a flask with electrolytes (see below)
• Zippered pocket perfect for easy phone access

Not sure this the right pack? I’ve also done a huge round up with feedback from other runners to help you find the right running hydration pack.  There are absolutely cheaper options, but mine has lasted me for at least 5 years of running and being used year round.

#2 Summer Running Shirts

For years I wouldn’t run in a tank top and I can’t even really tell you why, but now I love them. I have however found that sometimes with certain hydration packs my skin gets less irritated with short sleeves or some days it’s a benefit to be wearing an UV shirt.

That’s being said these are my top picks (sorry guys, pretty lady focused)

• Lululemon Tank Tops: The Breeze Tank was my all time favorite, they no longer make it, so I’ve moved on to other really lightweight options that all seem to LAST FOREVER and maintain style.
• Oiselle Altitude for Short Sleeves: when I’m running with my hydration pack I often like a little sleeve, no idea why but occasionally I will chafe for no particular reason. This particular shirt is super light and breathable.
• Soar Running has the thinnest, lightest shirts that I have ever run in (literally in 20 years). But they are very expensive and will snag easily, so not good for hydration packs.
• Baleaf UV quick drying shirt – Great option for those of you who are looking for more sun protection.
• Nike and Under Armour – I have had incredibly good luck with tops from both Nike and UA from Dick’s for myself and David. Usually running $35-$50 they always last for years and fit us both well, so a great investment.

#3 Electrolytes

While training in  Miami, I quickly realized that hydrating alone was not enough. I was sweating and washing out minerals with all the water, so I started getting muscle cramps.

Easy solution is to grab one of these to throw in your bottle during the run OR to sip on prior to the run. I actually love using them to hydrate first thing in the morning because it will encourage you to drink more and ensure you don’t start the run dehydrated.

• favorite electrolyte powders – good taste and enough sodium to benefit
• easy to carry electrolyte tablets – easiest to carry on the run
• SaltStick tablets – option for those that want something to swallow ahead of time or after the run because you are a very heavy sweater

Electrolytes are such a CHEAP and EASY tool that can improve your runs. In addition, they prevent fatigue, dehydration, muscle cramps and more.

#4 Summer Running Socks

It’s possible you wear the same running socks year round and that’s cool…until maybe it’s not.

Socks that are too thick when your feet begin to swell (which happens in the heat) could lead to blisters, swamp foot and other uncomfortable issues!

A few that I turn to:

• Swiftwick Socks
• Smartwool Run Zero
• Feetures Elite Ultra Light

I recommend the first two specifically because of their moisture wicking and SMELL controlling properties. Seriously days on end of wear during a trip and no smell…I plead the 5th on how I know this.

And of course along with this, don’t forget the Gold Bond Friction Defense (half the cost of Body Glide and I like it better). In addition, it’s a year round must have to keep you from dealing with blisters, chafing and other uncomfortable moments.

#5 Polar Heart Rate Armband

You’ve seen it in my Instagram for months now and I LOVE it.  No more pain in the butt chafing from a chest strap and it appears to be equally accurate.(Full review of the OH1+).

Heart rate is so important in summer running because you can see that your body is actually working harder and focus on effort over paces.  If you are newer to HR training then the armband is WAY more comfortable than a chest strap and WAY more accurate that most watches.

If you have been doing it for awhile then you know a great deal about your body and might be just fine with the readings from a watch.

So far in my testing the most accurate HR watch readings have been:

• Polar Vantage V2
• Garmin 265

#6 Summer Running Shoes

Wait is that a thing? Well..kinda, yes.

We want to make sure that you are wearing running shoes that are breathable and this might be a time where you find you have to size up. As I mentioned above with hot weather and longer miles your feet will swell, which could lead to runner’s toe and other issues if your shoes are to small.

• Waterproof shoes are going to be less breathable
• Anything labeled Gore-Tex will fall in that category
• You may want to look for options with a thinner tongue like the NB FuelCCell Rebel or the Cloundmonster.

#6 Running Hat

While a hat can trap heat on your head, it is also a great summer piece of running gear.

The most obvious reason is that it’s going to shade your eyes so you aren’t squinting (see my note about sunglasses) and provide some additional protection for your face. We spend a lot of time in the sun and trust me older you will appreciate this.

BUT also, you can dunk your hat in water the night before and freeze it so that is melts while you run. This is a true treat during long hot summer runs. And if you find a running hat with pockets, then you can stuff some ice in there for additional cooling.

Looking for more reviews to find the best things for your run?

Checkout our full page of my must have running gear reviews and guides to save you time searching and money! I also share what’s worked for me and fellow runners, along with what wasn’t worth the price tag.

A few common requests for running accessories:

• Best Running Hats
• Best running socks (lightweight to compression)
• Best compression tights for runners
• Best running heart rate monitors

More gear you want to know about? Let me know.

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